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back pain

Are you reading this on a computer? Are you seated at a desk? If so, this blog is for you!

Although working at a computer doesn’t sound like dangerous work, it can cause repetitive strain injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome). Posture-related problems may also occur – like pain in the back, neck, shoulders, arm, wrist and hand.

PM&R physicians are specialists who complete four years of residency training in the diagnosis, non-operative treatment and rehabilitation of neurological and musculoskeletal disorders that impact function.

It’s official – autumn has arrived! And, I think most of us can agree that the changing leaves are beautiful on the trees but troublesome on the ground. Raking leaves can be hard work and an excellent form of exercise, but the task also poses risk of injury. If you’ll be raking fallen leaves, consider these important safety tips:

As with any exercise program, stretch gently before starting and cool down when finished.

Most people spend much time carefully choosing the clothing they wear. They pick outfits based on the event they're attending or the weather outside.

Often, footwear is seen as an afterthought - an accessory to an outfit. But this is a mistake. For comfort and safety, you should put as much thought into what shoes go on your feet as to what clothing goes on your body.

What do running, shoveling snow and sitting at your office desk have in common? These are all activities that you should not begin until you’ve stretched properly.

I know. Stretching before basic yard or office work sounds like overkill. But stretching can help you avoid aching muscles and painful injuries. In fact, you should consider stretching before many daily activities, including gardening, computer work or other repetitive stress tasks (i.e., line work at a factory).

It’s cold outside and the snow is starting to pile up. You’ve strapped on your boots, wrapped your scarf tight and pulled on your gloves. You’ve dusted off that snow shovel, and you are ready to tackle the snowy sidewalks.

Do you have pain in your back? You’re not the only one. Statistics show that 8 out of every 10 people suffer from some sort of back pain at some time in their life.

The causes of back pain are varied, but some are very common – poor posture, poor body mechanics, a sedentary lifestyle, weight or trauma (i.e., car accidents, falls, etc.). Luckily, there are easy ways to minimize the possibility of back pain.

Back pain is a real problem for millions of Americans. In fact, it is estimated that 50 to 75 percent of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives(1). Some people will have stiffness in their backs, while others may have radiating leg pain, weakness or altered sensation. Those with back pain have an increased chance of the symptoms recurring.

If you suffer from back pain, there is hope. One treatment option for back pain is the McKenzie Method.